THE GARDEN FRIEND VISITS THE GARDENER

A mythical “Garden Friend” explores a real-life garden in this picture book by author/illustrator Baker.

Each Wednesday, the Garden Friend—a small, brown anthropomorphic creature wearing an acorn cap—arrives at the home of his human friend, the Gardener, “to share stories and treats and walks along the garden path.” The unnamed Gardener comes from “a land far away, across the sea.” After sharing a cup of tea and a snack, the two head out into the garden, where they look at all the plants and insects there. The Gardener “knows how each plant grows best and smiles at each new blossom” as the Garden Friend follows closely behind her. When he goes to bed, he reflects on how much he values the Gardener’s friendship. The book then encourages readers to befriend “someone from a land faraway” and offers a little information about Josephine, the real-life person on whom Gardener is based. It’s a slight story, overall, but the text is lively. (The story has a brief reference to birds singing “a song of God,” which may not appeal to secular readers.) The art is delightful, using a combination of drawing and photography, often featuring the illustrated Garden Friend in photographed scenes of plants and insects. The photos are sharp and engaging, and Baker’s horticultural drawings are precise and detailed.

A breezy tale with appealing images.